KUCHING: Koperasi Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia (Kobopem) Advance Sdn Bhd has made history as the first fire cooperative to operate a petrol station.
This follows an official agreement between Sarawak Economic Development Corporation Energy (SEDCE) and Kobopem to manage the Petros Multifuel Station (MFS) in MJC, Batu Kawa.
SEDCE chief executive officer Robert Hardin said that the appointment falls under the Company Owned, Dealer Operated (CODO) concept, where SEDCE owns the station but its operations are managed by Kobopem.
“For each station we develop, it involves collaboration with various parties as the station operator.
“For the Batu Kawa station, Kobopem will be responsible for its operations and we expect it to commence by the second quarter of 2025 once the licensing process is completed,” he said when met by reporters after the Kobopem appointment ceremony at Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) headquarters yesterday (Mar 19).
The Batu Kawa station, which will be Sarawak’s second flagship station, will receive hydrogen supplies from the Darul Hana station, in line with the state’s efforts in strengthening green energy infrastructure.
Apart from that, Robert said four more flagship stations will be developed in Bintulu, Miri, Sibu and Sri Aman.
“These stations will play an important role in forming a hydrogen supply network along the Pan Borneo Highway, in addition to the six existing stations in Daro, Matu, Brooke Way- Sibu, Kanowit, Sungai Asap and Jepak, which offer conventional fuel as well as electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities.
“Overall, SEDCE currently operates eight Petros Multifuel Station, including two flagship stations, namely Darul Hana and Batu Kawa,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad described Kobopem’s appointment as the operator of Batu Kawa Petros MFS as a major achievement for the cooperative.
“Previously, Kobopem focused on financing and assets, but this is the first time we are involved in the operation of a petrol station.
“This is not only a new challenge, but also a great opportunity for the cooperative to venture in the energy sector.
“In the past, we only talked about diesel and petrol, but now with this initiative, we can expand our involvement into the development of EV and hydrogen,” he said.
He added that Kobopem’s entry into the energy industry is not only aimed at improving the welfare of firefighters, but also as a tribute to those on the frontlines.
